Each year, a handful of patriots mark America's Independence Day by liberating themselves from aesthetic decency. Take a look at some of the worst – and a few of the best – Fourth of July looks over the years, including President Calvin Coolidge as a rhinestone cowboy.

Each year, a handful of patriots mark America's Independence Day by...

1859 -- Engraving by Charles Henry Brainard entitled "American Independence" showing a family as they light fireworks and wave a flag in celebration of Independence Day. Back when you could still do that.

1942 -- A group of American prisoners of war pictured in front of an American flag to celebrate Independence Day in a Japanese prison camp at Casisange, Philippines, which was against Japanese regulations. Discovery could have meant death.

Photo: Time Life Pictures, Getty Images

1942 -- A group of American prisoners of war pictured in front of...

1942 -- A group of American prisoners of war pictured in front of... Photo-4870045.65703 - SFGate

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1945 -- Can you move a little to the left, lady? We're missing the show.

Photo: Hulton Archive, Getty Images

1945 -- Can you move a little to the left, lady? We're missing the...

1945 -- Can you move a little to the left, lady? We're missing... Photo-4869676.65703 - SFGate